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What does the Bible say about Christmas trees?

Some people have felt that Jeremiah 10:1-5 is referring to what we, today, know as Christmas trees. Let’s take a look to see if Christmas trees are in the Bible.

Jeremiah 10:1-5

Jeremiah 10:1-5 says the following, "Hear the word which the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel. Thus says the LORD: Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, for the Gentiles are dismayed at them. For the customs of the peoples are futile; for one cuts a tree from the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. They decorate it with silver and gold; they fasten it with nails and hammers so that it will not topple. They are upright, like a palm tree, and they cannot speak; they must be carried, because they cannot go by themselves. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, nor can they do any good.”

Careful examination

At first glance, it might seem that verses 3 and 4 are referring to Christmas trees, cut from the forest and decorated with gold and silver trimmings. But a more careful look at the entire section makes it clear that God is talking about making a carved image—or idol—from the trunk of a tree.

He speaks of a craftsman shaping the wood, "the work of the hands of the workman" (verse 3). This is made clear in the context of the following verses, specifically verse 8: "But they are altogether dull-hearted and foolish; a wooden idol is a worthless doctrine."

Later in the chapter the contrast is drawn between the false gods that have not made the earth and the true God, the Creator (see verses 9-11). Verses 14 and 15 speak of worthless idols and images that are only objects of mockery.

The practice of making an idol from the trunk of a tree is also referred to in Isaiah 40:19, 20 and 44:14-17. Both Isaiah and Jeremiah declare the futility and absurdity of making and worshiping idols.

Conclusion

When looking at the verses of Jeremiah, we must remember that Christmas, of course, came into being long after Christ’s death and resurrection—years after the Bible was written—as a day to honor His birth. And the practice of decorating Christmas trees originated even later. Therefore, these Bible verses are not referring to Christmas trees, but idolatry.

Keep in mind, however, that although Jeremiah 10:1-5 is not referencing Christmas trees, it would be valuable to look into the origin of the Christmas tree and the celebration of Christmas on December 25 since neither are mentioned in the Bible.